000
AXUS73 KOAX 031828
DGTOAX
NEC027-107-139-179-051830-
Drought Information Statement
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
128 PM CDT Thu Aug 3 2017
...Drought conditions now present in northeast Nebraska...
SYNOPSIS...
With the latest issuance of the drought monitor, portions of
northeast Nebraska have been classified in the severe drought
category. This designation is the result of long-term
precipitation deficits, along with agricultural impacts.
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS...
The unusual and prolonged dryness has occurred during a period of
high demand for agricultural and ranching needs. While impacts are
currently minimal, further deterioration could cause reduced crop
yields and forage.
STATE AND LOCAL ACTIONS.
The State of Nebraska issued a proclamation on July 18 declaring a
state of emergency due to the elevated fire risk associated with
the drought, authorizing the state to activate its emergency
operations plans as needed due to any wildfire activity in the
state.
SOIL MOISTURE CONDITIONS.
Across northeast Nebraska, soil moisture data has trended drier
over the past several weeks.
GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS.
Northeast Nebraska contains dozens of groundwater wells that offer
real-time monitoring. Of those wells, the majority continue to
indicate normal to above-normal groundwater conditions within the
affected area. One well located in northeast Cedar County has
fallen into the below-normal category when compared to historical
data.
RIVER AND STREAM FLOW CONDITIONS.
There are no real-time river gages in the area of severe (D2)
drought intensity to determine the ongoing impact of the drought.
Nearby gages, not yet under severe drought designation, indicated
streamflows are in the normal range when compared to historical
data.
AGRICULTURE IMPACTS.
Minor agricultural impacts have been noted so far, including corn
leaf rolling and additional irrigation needs.
FIRE DANGER IMPACTS.
Dry conditions have elevated the risk of wildfires in the driest
and most prone areas. These are largely further west in north
central to northwest Nebraska but could encroach on northeast
Nebraska.
CLIMATE SUMMARY...
Over the past 30 days, precipitation has been around 50 to 75
percent of normal. When comparing data over the past six months,
the precipitation compared to normal is in the 75 to 90 percent
range. Temperatures have been above normal through June and July,
exacerbating the water demand in the area.
PRECIPITATION/TEMPERATURE OUTLOOK...
The weather forecast this week indicates temperatures in the 70s
to around 80 degrees, with intermittent chances of rain
particularly this weekend and midweek next week.
The 8- to 14-day outlook for August 10-16 indicates below-normal
temperatures are likely, with a slightly higher chance for wet
conditions than dry through the period. Both cooler and wetter
conditions would help at least minimize further deterioration.
The outlook for the month of August indicates a slight tilt in the
odds toward below-normal temperatures on average through the
month, with equal chances for above-, near-, and below-normal
precipitation. The monthly Drought Outlook indicates drought
improvement or removal is likely in northeast Nebraska.
HYDROLOGIC SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK...
River flow is expected to remain near normal for at least the next
week for most rivers. Along the Missouri River, upstream
reservoir releases will remain steady, with slight increases
expected toward the end of the month. Despite this, the Missouri
River will remain near its current level over the coming weeks or
may drop slightly without significant additional rainfall.
NEXT ISSUANCE DATE...
This product will be updated on August 18 or sooner if necessary
in response to significant changes in conditions.
&&
Related web sites...
Additional information on current drought conditions may be found
at the following web addresses...
NWS Omaha Drought: http://www.weather.gov/oax/drought
National Integrated Drought Information System...http://www.drought.gov
U.S. Drought Monitor...http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Climate Prediction Center...http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
High Plains Regional Climate Center...http://hprcc.unl.edu
Midwestern Regional Climate Center...
http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu
Nebraska State Climate Office...http://nsco.unl.edu
Iowa State Climatologist Office...
http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/climatology.asp
NWS River Information...https://water.weather.gov/ahps
USGS River Information...https://waterwatch.usgs.gov
USGS Groundwater Information...https://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov
USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub...
https://www.climatehubs.oce.usda.gov/northernplains
USDA Midwest Climate Hub...
https://www.climatehubs.oce.usda.gov/midwest
Nebraska Climate Assessment and Response Committee...
http://www.carc.nebraska.gov
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... The drought monitor is a multi-agency effort
involving NOAA`s National Weather Service and National Centers for
Environmental Information, the USDA, state and regional center
climatologists and the National Drought Mitigation Center.
Information for this statement has been gathered from NWS and FAA
observation sites, State Cooperative Extension Services, the USDA,
USACE and the USGS.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS...
If you have any questions or comments about this Drought
Information Statement, please contact:
National Weather Service
6707 North 288th Street
Valley, NE 68064-9443
Phone: 402-359-5166
oax.webmaster@noaa.gov
$$
Mayes/Pearson